Graham Slams Obama 'Strategic Patience' Push

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast February 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. Obama reportedly spoke about groups like ISIS distorting religion and calling the Islamic terror group a "death cult." (Photo by Dennis Brack-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — A potential 2016 GOP candidate and US senator is slamming a new White House national security strategy that emphasizes diplomacy and "strategic patience."

In the introduction of the new national security strategy document, President Barack Obama writes the global "challenges we face require strategic patience and persistence."

But GOP Senate Armed Services Committee member Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who is exploring a White House bid, says America's enemies are emboldened by Obama's approach.

"I doubt [the Islamic State], the Iranian mullahs, or [Russian President] Vladimir Putin will be intimidated by President Obama's strategy of 'strategic patience'," Graham said Friday in a statement. "From their point of view, the more 'patience' President Obama practices, the stronger they become."

Graham's criticism is merely the latest example of the philosophic chasm on security issues between Obama and congressional hawks. They want a more muscular foreign policy; Obama favors diplomacy and tools things such as like economic sanctions over military action.

"America leads from a position of strength," Obama writes in the strategy document. "But, this does not mean we can or should attempt to dictate the trajectory of all unfolding events around the world. As powerful as we are and will remain, our resources and influence are not infinite."

A participant draws during archery practice at the 2015 Marine Corps Trials. The competition provides opportunities for the Marines to train as athletes, while increasing their strength so they can continue their military service or develop healthy habits for life outside the service. The Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment enables wounded, ill, and injured Marines to focus on their abilities and to find new avenues to thrive. The fifth annual Marine Corps Trials is being held at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 3-11. Athletes will compete in archery, cycling, shooting, swimming, track, field, sitting vollyball, and wheelchair basketball. (Photo by: Sgt. Fareeza Ali/USMC)

To Graham and other hawks, Obama's approach "has led to a world in chaos," the lawmaker said.

Sign up for our Early Bird BriefGet the defense industry's most comprehensive news and information straight to your inbox

Fear of missing out?

Sign up for the Early Bird Brief, the defense industry's most comprehensive news and information, straight to your inbox.

Thanks for signing up.

By giving us your email, you are opting in to the Early Bird Brief.

"We now confront a growing threat from radical Islamists intent on striking the American homeland as well as wreaking havoc on the Middle East, Iranian mullahs intent on obtaining nuclear weapons capability, strengthened dictatorships in Russia and Cuba, and the poorest relationship with Israel in decades," Graham said.

"The consequences of Obama's 'strategic patience' are an America that is less secure and at greater risk," he added. "Applying more 'patience' to President Obama's failed foreign policy just prolongs failure."